The ways in which public funds have been used to support activities dealing with the arts in general education and the creative and performing arts are examined. Topics covered include: (1) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, (2) teacher education under NDEA, NFAHA, and EDPA, (3) other OE-administered legislation with limited applicability, and (4) programs administered by other agencies which support arts-in-education activities. The conclusions show that large sums of federal funds have been directed toward supporting the arts in education, including the creative and performing arts. The great bulk of this support came from Titles I and III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (CK)